Rafale Orders: Who, What, and How Many?
The Dassault Rafale is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter jets, widely recognized for its superior agility, cutting-edge avionics, and combat versatility. Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, this 4.5-generation fighter jet has gained global attention, with several countries placing substantial orders to enhance their air combat capabilities.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of who has ordered the Rafale, how many aircraft have been purchased, and why nations are choosing this advanced fighter jet.
What is the Dassault Rafale?
The Rafale, meaning “gust of wind” in French, is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation. It is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including:
- Air superiority and interception
- Ground and naval strikes
- Reconnaissance and intelligence gathering
- Nuclear deterrence missions
Equipped with stealth technology, AESA radar, and advanced weaponry, the Rafale has been battle-proven in several combat operations, making it one of the most sought-after fighter jets in modern military aviation.
Who Has Ordered the Rafale?
Several nations have placed significant orders for the Dassault Rafale, strengthening their air forces with this state-of-the-art fighter. Below is a list of countries that have procured or signed contracts for the Rafale, along with the number of aircraft ordered.
1. France (Original Operator)
- Ordered: 234 aircraft (total)
- Delivered: 192 (as of 2024)
- Purpose: The French Air and Space Force and French Navy operate the Rafale as their primary combat aircraft.
2. India
- Ordered: 36 aircraft
- Delivered: 36 (completed in 2022)
- Purpose: The Indian Air Force (IAF) selected the Rafale for its combat readiness, acquiring the aircraft under a €7.87 billion deal. The Indian Navy is also considering additional orders for carrier-based Rafale-M variants.
3. Egypt
- Ordered: 54 aircraft
- Delivered: 54 (as of 2024)
- Purpose: Egypt became the first export customer for the Rafale, signing an initial order for 24 jets in 2015 and an additional 30 jets in 2021 to bolster its air defense capabilities.
4. Qatar
- Ordered: 36 aircraft
- Delivered: 36 (as of 2024)
- Purpose: Qatar signed a €6.3 billion contract for 24 Rafale jets in 2015, later increasing the order to 36. These jets enhance Qatar’s air force strength and defense against regional threats.
5. Greece
- Ordered: 24 aircraft
- Delivered: 18 (as of early 2024)
- Purpose: Greece signed a €2.5 billion deal for 18 Rafales (12 second-hand from France, 6 new) in 2021. In 2022, it ordered 6 more new aircraft, reinforcing its air dominance against regional adversaries.
6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Ordered: 80 aircraft
- Delivered: Deliveries expected to start in 2027
- Purpose: The UAE signed a €16 billion contract for 80 Rafale F4 jets, marking the largest export order in Rafale’s history. The deal significantly upgrades the UAE’s air combat capabilities.
7. Indonesia
- Ordered: 42 aircraft
- Delivered: First batch expected in 2026
- Purpose: Indonesia finalized a deal worth $8.1 billion for 42 Rafale fighter jets. The contract will be executed in phases, strengthening Indonesia’s aerial defense.
8. Croatia
- Ordered: 12 aircraft (used Rafale F3R)
- Delivered: 6 (as of early 2024)
- Purpose: Croatia acquired 12 used Rafale F3R aircraft from the French Air Force for €999 million to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet.
How Many Rafales Have Been Ordered in Total?
As of 2024, the total number of Rafale jets ordered worldwide exceeds 520 aircraft. The breakdown is as follows:
| Country | Number of Rafales Ordered | Status |
|---|---|---|
| France | 234 | Ongoing |
| India | 36 | Delivered |
| Egypt | 54 | Delivered |
| Qatar | 36 | Delivered |
| Greece | 24 | Partially Delivered |
| UAE | 80 | Deliveries Begin 2027 |
| Indonesia | 42 | Deliveries Begin 2026 |
| Croatia | 12 | Partially Delivered |
| Total | 518+ | Expanding |
With new deals and negotiations underway, the number of Rafale orders is expected to increase further in the coming years.
Why Are Countries Choosing the Rafale?
Several factors contribute to the Rafale’s popularity among military forces worldwide:
- Multi-Role Capabilities: Performs air-to-air, air-to-ground, and naval missions effectively.
- Advanced Avionics & Stealth: Features AESA radar, Spectra electronic warfare system, and reduced radar signature.
- Combat Proven: Successfully deployed in Libya, Syria, Mali, and Afghanistan.
- Customizable for Different Needs: Rafale can be adapted to specific national requirements, making it attractive to diverse air forces.
- Cost-Effective Compared to F-35: While expensive, the Rafale is cheaper than the U.S. F-35, offering advanced features at a competitive price.
Future Orders and Potential Buyers
Several countries have expressed interest in acquiring the Rafale, including:
- Saudi Arabia: Possible negotiations for a large order.
- Serbia: Looking to replace its aging MiG-29 fleet.
- Malaysia: Considering the Rafale for its next-generation fighter program.
- Colombia: Evaluating the Rafale against competitors like the F-16 and Gripen.
If these deals materialize, Rafale’s global footprint will continue to expand.
